Kitsilano offers the secret to living a healthy lifestyle

It’s home to multiple yoga studios, blocks from one of Vancouver’s most beautiful beaches and the birthplace of lululemon. As people mark two months since they made their New Year’s Resolutions for 2013, many are choosing a ‘Kitsilano lifestyle’ to help them achieve their goals.

Russ Davies, Executive Director of the Kitsilano 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association, says Kits is a great starting point for anyone looking to re-boot their resolutions. “Kits is a very, very healthy part of Vancouver. People can enjoy a Yoga or Pilates class, buy their organic groceries and multi-vitamins and even learn more about health and wellness without leaving West 4th.

Kitsilano residents have a unique lifestyle and a unique way of staying healthy and our merchants are making it easier for people of all ages to meet their goals for 2013.” A key component to Kitsilano’s healthy reputation is its walkability. Recently called a ‘walker’s paradise,’ it’s been rated at 92 on WalkScore, one of the highest ratings in Vancouver and across the country.

“Exercising is an important part of the Kitsilano lifestyle,” says Davies. “People walk to do their shopping, they have an abundant number of Yoga studios to visit and they have Kits beach to turn to for outdoor activities. Our focus on day-to-day activity is an attractive feature of our community.”

The importance placed on daily health regimes is making West 4th Avenue a first-class destination for retailers like Heidi Henderson, owner of Vital Wellness Group at West 4 and Cypress.

Both a walk-in and family practice clinic, Vital Health offers an integrated care centre – unhurried, patient-centred medicine with a focus on prevention. Incorporating acupuncture, fitness, nutrition and clinical counsellors into their mix, they offer services that match the Kitsilano community.

“We’re seeing a trend in the number of young people who are focused on a day-to-day health regime,” says Henderson. “Our largest demographic is females between 20 and 35, all of which are taking personal responsibility for their health, educating themselves and following realistic plans which are paying off.”

An influx of fitness and health services in Kitsilano has made it even easier for Kits residents and those from other parts of the city to enjoy healthy lifestyles. The popular Semperviva and YYoga studios see a steady stream of business, as does Whole Foods and Jackson’s Meats for healthy food choices, and YVS, Pharmasave and Reflex for vitamins and supplements.

And after a holiday season of overindulging, people are heading to The 05 Tea Bar at 4th and Yew. “There is definitely a way of life in Kits that is contagious,” says Davies. “Take a walk up West 4th and you’ll see healthy living is something that isn’t just popular in January, but maintained all year round.”

West 4th Contest

We’ve paired up with 4th Avenue Business Improvement Association to give away a $250 Shop West 4th prize pack.